Merkado 31 Aventura
Last inspected: Jan 6, 2026
55
Score
Merkado 31 Aventura has been inspected nine times since 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 6, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around 10 violations each.
Across the inspection history, “equipment in poor repair” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
By comparison, the average Aventura facility scores 76, putting Merkado 31 Aventura on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 6, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times due to dishes being stored inside.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to dishwasher.
31B-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface.
14-25-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.
14-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees next to dishwasher and next to 3 compartment sink.
31B-04-4
Basic - Observed case of takeout containers stored on floor in dry storage area.
25-05-4
Basic - Observed cases of oil and water stored on floor in dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
55
Sep 8, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Time Extended**
05-08-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed training certificates for Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association provided for some employees. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked rice prepared on site more than 24 hours ago with no date. Per manager rice was cooked 48 hours ago. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed cooked rice prepared on site more than 24 hours ago with no date. Located in walk in cooler. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle being used to dispense various seasonings and cooked rice. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed cup with no handle being used to dispense various seasonings. **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. Located in front of flat grill. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. Located in front of flat grill. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed various containers of food stored on floor in walk in cooler. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-08: Observed cases of water and yellow chips stored on floor in dry storage area. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
64
Jul 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 8 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked rice and various raw foods stored in thank you bags.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs being stored over various ready to eat foods. Located in reach in cooler.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed establishment with different owner and remodeled with no plan review. Observed establishment relocated 3 compartment creating a new warewash area, hand washing sink next to dishwasher removed, various kitchen equipment removed and replaced with walk in cooler, ice machine relocated in a separate room. All changes are inconsistent with plans on file from previous owner.
51-16-7
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Located in bar area.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Observed glass cleaner drain line draining into handwash sink. Located in bar area.
31A-10-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked rice prepared on site more than 24 hours ago with no date. Per manager rice was cooked 48 hours ago.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in recently added warewashing area and near relocated ice maker.
31A-07-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed.
31A-04-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle being used to dispense various seasonings and cooked rice.
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Located in reach in freezer.
14-05-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. Located in front of flat grill.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed various containers of food stored on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
25
Jan 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed can of raid stored on floor next to prep shelf.
41-04-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Advised manager and she instructed to clean. **Corrected On-Site**
16-21-4
Basic - Clean pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged raw tuna bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Located on stove store. Chef removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Chef removed. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. **Repeat Violation**
14-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed top on oven soiled with buildup.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior and shelves has an accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
55
Jul 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
61
Dec 18, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
17
Aug 10, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
50
Mar 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp and raw salmon being stored on top of cooked vegetables.
08A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Located in prep area.
36-36-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed AC vents soiled with accumulated dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn and white chest freezer door in disrepair/ off hinges.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water being stored on floor under bar counter.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Located on stove door. Chef removed.
10-20-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Located in prep area.
36-27-5
Basic - Clean pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
58
Aug 4, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken being stored on top of various raw fish. Located in reach in cooler.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towels lining a pan of cut tomatoes.
14-86-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Located in kitchen area.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Located in kitchen area.
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed hood filters and top of oven soiled with accumulated grease buildup.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed AC vents soiled with accumulated dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed door of reach in cool and white chest freezer in disrepair.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water being stored on floor under prep table in bar area.
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Located in kitchen area.
31B-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler/freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Located in kitchen area.
29-49-6
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls in kitchen area soiled with accumulated dust, grease and or food debris.
36-27-5
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Merkado 31 Aventura last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Merkado 31 Aventura on file is from Jan 6, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Merkado 31 Aventura?
Across the inspection record, “equipment in poor repair” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Merkado 31 Aventura.
How does Merkado 31 Aventura compare to other restaurants in Aventura?
Merkado 31 Aventura most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Aventura average of 76.
Has Merkado 31 Aventura's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Merkado 31 Aventura have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Merkado 31 Aventura means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Merkado 31 Aventura inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Merkado 31 Aventura is inspected around three times per year on average.
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